Wallendbeen Bridge structure set to take shape

Construction on the new road-over-rail bridge at Wallendbeen is set to accelerate this month, with the bridge structure expected to start taking shape.

Transport for NSW is building a new permanent rail bridge on Burley Griffin Way after the old bridge was removed in an emergency due to severe damage sustained following wet weather.

A temporary single-lane steel bridge was installed in October 2021 which allowed motorists to drive the full length of Burley Griffin Way without lengthy detours.

The work will take place from 6 am on Saturday 14 September to 6 pm on Monday 16 September. No trains will be running during this period, enabling work to be carried out 24 hours a day within the rail corridor.

Transport for NSW Regional Director South Cassandra Ffrench said the upcoming Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) rail possession this month would allow the crew to take advantage to complete extensive work in the rail corridor.

“Work will see key elements of the bridge structure installed, including the precast ‘Super-T’ bridge girders, which will form the superstructure of the new permanent bridge, ” Ms Ffrench said.

“A 650-tonne crane will lift six prestressed concrete ‘Super-T’ girders into place within the rail corridor.

“Each girder weighs up to 57 tonnes, is 1515 mm deep and will support the reinforced concrete deck slab as a key part of the design that will provide a stronger and wider bridge to meet the needs of the local community and freight network.”

Ms Ffrench said the project’s steady progress led to the completion of retaining structures, stormwater drainage, foundations and bridge abutments in the past few months.

She said that once the girders were in place, the construction of the bridge deck and approach slabs and the installation of the crash barriers and vertical safety screens would continue.

Ms Ffrench said residents could expect noise from the activity over the weekend to be low.

“However, Transport will carry out noise monitoring and mitigation measures to manage any potential impacts to the community,” she said.

Morrisons Hill Road will be closed from 6 am on Saturday 14 September to 6 pm on Monday 16 September and a detour route via Allbutts Lane will be signposted.

Traffic on Silo Road between Burley Griffin Way and George Street will be limited to local traffic only.

Motorists are advised to allow an additional five minutes of travel time and follow the directions of traffic control and signage.

The site will return to business as usual from Tuesday 17 September, with work being carried out from 7 am to 7 pm weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays, as required.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in mid-2025. The temporary bridge will remain in service until the permanent bridge is completed and open to traffic.

Transport for NSW said the new bridge was designed to be stronger and better able to withstand severe wet weather similar to that which damaged the original bridge.

Burley Griffin Way is a key route on the network linking the Hume Highway to the Riverina and the Olympic and Newell highways. The new permanent bridge will improve safety and travel times on this important freight corridor.

Extensive safety work has also been carried out, including regular inspections on the temporary bridge to ensure it remains safe and serviceable for the community and road users.

Transport for NSW thanks the community for its patience and understanding while the organisation completes this important project.